Today, in the first week of NaNo, it's easy to write
what I’m insecure about. When I first decided to do NaNo this year, I decided I
wouldn’t make the same mistakes I had made in the past. Instead of just rushing
through, writing as many words I could, I would make sure I wrote the right
words. I knew that would take more time but for me I decided that was best.
That was all well and good until NaNo started. Now I’m not saying I changed my philosophy,
I haven’t. I’m still focused on quality over quantity, but I must say the ugly
green envy monster comes out a bit every time I put in my days word count and
the NaNo machine tells me I’ll finish sometime mid-December. I guess that’s
just something I need to get over.
On a brighter note, Crystal Collier is featuring me
on her blog today, you can see it here.
Thanks Crystal!
On another bright note, I get to feature Jay Noel:
Dragonfly Warrior Blurb:
The Mechanica Wars: Savage Machines Are
Afoot...
At
the age of twenty, Kanze Zenjiro's bloody footprints mark the bodies of those
who stood in his way to protect the throne of Nihon. Now, the tyrannical Iberian
Empire is bent on destroying his kingdom, and they send their steam-powered
giants and iron spiders against him.
Zen embarks on a quest that takes him on the most dangerous journey of his life. To succeed, Zen must live up to his nickname, the Dragonfly Warrior, and kill all his enemies with only a sword and a pair of six-guns. He is called upon to somehow survive a test of faith and loyalty in a world so cruel and merciless, it borders on madness.
Zen embarks on a quest that takes him on the most dangerous journey of his life. To succeed, Zen must live up to his nickname, the Dragonfly Warrior, and kill all his enemies with only a sword and a pair of six-guns. He is called upon to somehow survive a test of faith and loyalty in a world so cruel and merciless, it borders on madness.
Book Information: Dragonfly Warrior is a steampunk
adventure like no other. It's a dynamic mix of Asian and European mythology, the
Wild West, martial arts, traditional fantasy, and high powered steam action that
will keep you turning the pages.
Dragonfly Warrior is the first book of The Mechanica Wars, and
will debut on January 6, 2014.
Author Bio:
After doing
some freelance writing and editing for more than a dozen years, Jay decided to
stop procrastinating and pursue his dream of being a novelist. He's been
blogging for over eight years, and even had a comedy podcast syndicated all over
the internet. All of that was fun, but all the steampunk-inspired stories in his
head just wouldn't leave him alone. Jay spends his days working in medical
sales, but he can be found toiling over his laptop late at night when all is
quiet.He draws inspiration from all over: H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Shakespeare, Ray Bradbury, Douglas Adams, and Isaac Asimov.
And Jay loves
cookies.
Jay Noel's website:
Have you seen Jay's cover yet? Participating in NaNo? Visited Crystal to see what's my secret and what's my lie?
I like NaNo purely because the words don't have to be brilliant. My first drafts are always terrible, but they enable me to get the bare bones of the story on the page, so that's why I love NaNo - it gets that pesky first draft written quickly, and then I can get to the good stuff, edits and revisions. That's where my work really begins to shine.
ReplyDeleteEven if you finish in December, you are still better off though.
ReplyDeleteI've never done Nano, it sort of scares me! Good luck, and I say there's nothing wrong with finishing mid-December. That's still super impressive! And the main thing is, you finished the thing!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with Nano. I never have time in Nov. For example, I'm having my second child at the end of this month and busy promoting my second book right now. It's admirable that you're trying it. Expect setbacks, it's natural from what I've heard. I hope you finish before 2014 :). That would still be amazing.
ReplyDeleteNo, I think I will wait abit to participate in that group, but looking forward to it once I write a few other things I am working on. Not that secure with myself yet! Lol.....sandy of sandysanderellasmusings.blogspot
ReplyDeleteI did NaNo last year and remember that feeling with the word count. Good luck! I've seen your book and cover everywhere and it's awesome - congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI'm careful with my words, even when participating in NaNo. Just means I have to spend longer writing.
ReplyDeleteWhen you do finish, it won't be such a mess though!
One day at a time. See, the deadlines stress me out. That's why I don't do NaNo, but I applaud everyone who does--and I've got my pom-poms and cheese confetti out and ready to cheer you on!
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling of wanting to get the right words and not be left with a mess at the end of November. I am doing something similar at least right now. Who know what will happen when I can no longer see the Red Bar of Doom.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you.
I'm doing NaNo this year, but haven't been worried about the count (I really haven't had the time...need a couple of 10K word marathon days). However, that being said, Anne Lamott teaches us that the first draft is the downdraft. Just get it down. The second is the updraft, where we fix it up. Don't worry about the quality of the first draft, that's what the revisions are for. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteM.L. Swift, Writer
I had to pass on NaNo all together so I am very impressed with anyone who participates at all. So, rock on! Big congrats to Jay for his cover. Nice reveal.
ReplyDeleteWishing you good luck during NaNo! I wanted to participate but didn't quite get my stuff together in time. Maybe next year. Love Jay's cover! (:
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have the right attitude about NaNo... quality over quantity. Make those words count rather than just spitting them out for the sake of spitting them out. Good luck!
ReplyDelete